What to Pack For the Hamptons

In “Pack With Me,” influencers and editors give us a rundown of their travel must haves and a few travel hacks to go along with them. For this installment, PS associate director of Shopping Sarah Wasilak shares what essentials are necessary for a getaway to East Hampton and Montauk in Long Island, New York.

I’ve lived in New Jersey my whole life, and despite the Hamptons not being too many miles away and plenty of my friends venturing out east as we grew up, I’d never made the trip. When Naturepedic invited me to join an intimate group of editors in East Hampton, NY for two nights, I knew my time had come. I’d heard endless stories of mouth-watering lobster rolls and late-night bar hopping, and I was eager to see what all the fuss was about. While I can now confirm that there’s a lovely air of sophistication that seems to be lacking at the Jersey Shore by comparison, and the food is a culinary delight, no one harps on the long-drawn-out car ride and hours of traffic that stand between the preceding workweek and loads of fun you’re about to have.

For that reason, some of my travel product recommendations include calming accessories and must haves for the journey (think: a supportive travel pillow and book to read), whereas there are also style essentials on this list that speak to the overall vibe of the destination. Ahead, read some advice for planning your trip to the Hamptons, then shop directly (albeit virtually) from the exact commuter backpack I brought with me.

What are the best outfits to wear in the Hamptons?

The Hamptons will make you feel fabulous and lavish, whether you’re chilling in a picturesque backyard near the pool or going out to dinner among affluent vacationers and celebrities. If you’re curious about what to wear in the Hamptons, think elevated cottagecore and pack one to two fancier dresses, jumpsuits, or suits for dining at a swanky restaurant. Swimsuits are a necessity if you’re visiting in the summer, and because a lot of the locals are active, you’ll want to bring your cutest matching workout set for a game of tennis or a group fitness class, from SLT to Barry’s.

What to do in Montauk for a weekend

A perfect day trip to Montauk should absolutely involve a lobster roll (the one you see here on a croissant is from 668 The Gig Shack), a beach trip to the Montauk Point Lighthouse (the first in New York State!) or a morning trail hike, and walking and shopping along the streets. There are often art fairs and some seriously great coffee spots — I enjoyed an oat milk latte from Left Hand — and Montauk Brewing Company is famous for its beer that you’ll find all over New York.

There are plenty of places to stay overnight, from Ruschmeyer’s and Gurney’s to The Surf Club and Breakers, and many of these motels have bars and restaurants that have become favorites among locals and travelers. I stayed in the Hamptons for a total of three nights, and my best meal was hands down at Duryea’s, where the famous Lobster Cobb Salad comes in a huge wooden bowl that’s seemingly enough to feed just one after you take your first bite.